Through the Buy America program, the FTA helps ensure that transit vans, buses, streetcars and rail cars funded with taxpayer dollars are built in the U.S., while using American-made materials and labor.

Buy America rules require that at least 60 percent of the components in transit vehicles be manufactured in the United States.

Braun and ElDorado National petitioned FTA separately earlier this year to learn whether their manufacturing processes for converting Chrysler and Dodge min-ivans into wheelchair-accessible vehicles for use by public transit agencies met FTA's Buy America requirements for final assembly. They did.

The companies employ hundreds of workers to convert the vans, and then suppliers around the country provide door panels, ramps and other custom parts.